Varane eager to play against Spain

The Real Madrid starlet is desperate to retain his place in Didier Deschamps' plans for the crunch clash in Paris, and revealed he has spoken to some Roja stars ahead of the game

Raphael Varane has stressed he is eager to keep his place in the France starting line-up for the World Cup qualifier against Spain on Tuesday.

Varane started alongside Mamadou Sakho for les Bleus' 3-1 win over Georgia on Friday, and revealed he hopes to play against some of his Real Madrid club mates when the teams clash in Paris this week.

"I hope to play against Spain," he told Telefoot. "I exchange messages with the Spaniards. They consider us serious opponents. They told me they need the victory. But it is also the case for us. There will be a battle. Those really are fantastic games."

The 19-year-old went on to say he did not feel nervous ahead of his full international debut, adding that the pressure of playing for his club left him well prepared for the event.

"I didn't have apprehensions. I have the same kind of pressure at Real Madrid but emotions are stronger here," he said.